About Knutson & Associates
Founding Owners: Marilyn Knutson/Sharon Knutson
Marilyn Knutson was the founding broker who established the company in 1976, and she built a legacy many people in Kona still remember. Marilyn was a Real Estate Legend on the Island. She was able to make Knutson & Associates an incredible company that thrived as a Top Performing Company on the Island. Marilyn established the very first website for Vacation Rentals on the island! She will always be remembered.
Sharon Knutson, daughter of Marilyn Knutson was licensed since the age of 18. Sharon took over the company and 2005 and continued to build the empire that Knutson & Associates is today. Sharon was a third generation Realtor in her family owned business. Sharon was the Broker in Charge of Knutson & Associates for many years, all while raising 3 kids, and 2 dogs. Family was always very important to Sharon; This reflected in the relationships she had with her clients. Values like trust and honesty are the foundation aspects, Knutson & Associates thrive on. Sharon always emphasized that at Knutson & Associates, we speak Aloha!
Marilyn & Sharon will always be remembered, and their legacy made a huge impact on Kona. All of Marilyns grandchildren/Sharons children all work at the company now. Blake Kessner oldest son of Sharon, is the Principal Broker & Owner. Stephanie Kessner, daughter to Sharon runs the Long Term Rental Division, & Grant Kessner, son to Sharon is the Director of Guest Relations. The 3 of them are proud to say that Knutson & Associates will always be a family owned company. We are a local company, with the best local roots one could ask for!
Blake Kessner | Principal Broker/Owner
Blake Kessner is the Owner/Principal Broker at Knutson & Associates. He is the son of Sharon Knutson & is the grandson to Marilyn Knutson, founder of the company.
Blake is a 4th generation broker..born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, so he knows his locations exceptionally well. Blake will do what it takes to gain your trust in allowing us the privilege to represent you for purchasing, selling, or managing property here on the Big Island of Hawaii!
Blake oversee operations for over 200 Vacation Rental & Long term properties on the Big Island of Hawaii. Therefore, his specialty is working with investment clients & Resort & Second Home Properties. Professional Development & Education is part of the foundation to Blake's success. Therefore, he has multiple certifications and designations in the Real Estate Profession.
CERTIFICATIONS & DESIGNATIONS
GRI: GRADUATE REALTORS INSTITUTE DESIGNATION
CLHMS: ELITE CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST
CRS: CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST
SRS: SELLER REPRESENTATIVE SPECIALIST
ABR: ACCREDITED BUYER'S REPRESENTATIVE
RSPS: RESORT & SECOND-HOME PROPERTY SPECIALIST
PSA: PRICING STRATEGY ADVISOR
RENE: REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATION EXPERT
CRB: CERTIFIED REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE MANAGER
SFR: SHORT SALES & FORECLOSURE RESOURCE
E-PRO: CERTIFIED
Blake Kessner, BIC License# R(B)-22317
Knutson & Associates
Office: (808) 329-1010
Cell: (808) 987-9295
Stephanie Kessner|Director of Long Term Rentals Division
Stephanie Kessner is the Daughter of Sharon Knutson, and the Sister of Blake Kessner, the Owner/PB at Knutson & Associates. She is the Granddaughter to Marilyn Knutson, the woman who made Knutson & Associates a reality.
Stephanie was born and raised in Kailua-Kona. After graduating high school, she moved to Hilo and attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo. After completing a full year there majoring in Administrative Justice and Hotel Management she moved back to Kona and shortly after that she decided to
move to the Island of Oahu, where she was accepted into the Paralegal Program at Kapiolani Community College. She graduated from the Paralegal Program with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Science.
Stephanie decided after graduating she would move back home to Kailua Kona. Where she would find a job at a Law Firm in Kona. While she searched for that job, she was hired at Office Max and worked in the Print Center. She excelled while working there because she previously had many years of experience working in the Customer Service Industry. She worked for Office Max for just shy of 3 years, when she finally landed the job she had been searching for all along, the job at a Law Firm. Stephanie jumped at the opportunity to have this job and started working for the Firm that specialized in the Laws of Copyright, Trademark, and Litigation. All these types of Laws were new to Stephanie but she was always up for
a challenge and she excelled her knowledge further of the different types of Laws and gained more important Skills that will forever benefit her in any job she has in Life.
Stephanie has now decided after working for the Law Firm for the last 5 years, she will now join her Family Business at Knutson & Associates Real Estate Company. She is excited for the future and her new career path in Property Management and Sales.
Stephanie Kessner
Knutson & Associates
stephaniewithknutson@gmail.com
Office: (808) 329-1010
Grant Kessner|Director of Guest Relations & Revenue Strategy
Grant, son of Sharon Knutson & brother to Blake Kessner started working for the company in 2015 & focused in Maintenance & Quality Assurance. He has since gained lots of experience in Property Management throughout the Islands, which includes Maui & Oahu. We're excited to welcome Grant back to the company in 2022!
Knutson & Associates
808-329-1010
Dominique Miller| Lead Property Manager
Dominique Miller was born and raised in Northern California and moved to the beautiful state of Hawaii almost 15 years ago. Since a young age Dominique has come from a family owned and operated property management company based in California. During her time here on the island she studied at the University of Hawaii with degrees in both Culinary Arts and Business Management. With degrees specializing in hospitality she will provide a personal based connection with each owner, guest, and tenant to ensure that all needs are met. Loving and living Aloha is not just a saying for Dominique, it is a way of life. She believes in family values and that each and every client will become part of the knutson family. When Dominique is not in the office you can find her with family and fur family enjoying all the beautiful views this island has to offer.
Dominique Miller, R(S) License #84111
Knutson & Associates
Office: (808) 329-1010
Kapena Ortiz| Assistant Property Manager: Maintenance
Kapena Ortiz is born and raised in Kailua Kona on the Big Island. His background in customer service had started with a career in the hospitality industry where he spent 7 years working at the Four Seasons Resort at Hualālai. He held a position at the #1 best spa in the country featured on Forbes. Being an employee of the Four Seasons, he has extensive training and certificates to accommodate the high standards of guests expectations. Over the years, he has had the pleaser of working and building relationships with a numerous amount of celebrities, athletes and CEO’s of large corporations. Not only is his experience solely in customer service, he also worked in construction with his dad where he acquired many different aspects of building and handy work. This makes a great edition for when it comes to the position as Assistant Property Manager in maintenance. He is very excited to start a career path in the real estate field and potentially will persevere in the future.
Kapena Ortiz
Knutson & Associates
Office: (808) 445-9363
Mervyln Simmons|Assistant Property Manager
Born and Raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Mervlyn has become accustomed to the ever growing place she calls home, Kailua Kona, HI. As a mother of 3 wonderful children and a devoted wife, she has gained professional experience through many different styles of Businesses and has strived in each one. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors degree to obtain her degree in Science of Business with a certificate in Finances, she is also a licensed Insurnace agent, and helps out her community any way she can. Passion, accuracy, Customer Service and attention to detail, is her strong points and she will strive to exude that here. She was apart of Knutson & Associates in 2019-2020 and has been studying to obtain her Real Estate license ever since, she looks to join in with the great teamwork ethics here at Knutson & Associates.
Mervlyn Simmons
Knutson & Associates
Office: (808) 329-1010
Gemilie Ilao|Lead Senior Property Manager
Gem Ilao was born and raised on the island of Guam with two loving parents as the youngest of five children. Her family’s business taught her the value of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Playing a variety of sports and representing Guam in a number of competitive events, taught Gem the value of leadership, team building, and perseverance. After graduating high school, she attended the University of Washington in Seattle and received a bachelor's degree in Communications.
Gem has been working in property management for six years. She is a strong communicator, providing excellent customer service to her clients/tenants, and a responsible operations manager making sure anything she needs to do is done right and on time. As a frequent visitor of Hawaii with family and friends living in Oahu and the Big Island, Gem understands island culture and living. She decided to move to Kailua-Kona to further her career in real estate sales and property management.
Gem is a very outgoing and enthusiastic person. She never takes opportunities for granted and will do her very best to find the perfect home and/or manage your properties for you. When she is not working, Gem is studying to receive her online MBA degree from Seattle University. She also enjoys going to the beach, cooking, and playing with her pet bunnies!
Gemilie Ilao, R(S)85286
Knutson & Associates
Office: (808) 329-1010
Heather Tribolet|Property Manager
After traveling the world, Heather chose to make Kona her home about a decade ago. Heather has been working in property management with Knutson & Associates the past few years. Her background and knowledge in this field help make her a great asset to those looking to invest in a family home or a rental property.
Away from real estate, Heather finds solace and joy in nature and on the ocean. Whether it’s searching for marine life, diving in Kona's crystal-clear waters, or simply basking in the sun on the sandy shores, it’s a source of inspiration and tranquility.
In choosing Heather as your real estate partner, you’re not just gaining a professional with industry expertise but a true advocate for the islands. Heather would love to share her love for this Island and help make your real estate dreams come true.
Heather Tribolet, R(S)86935
Knutson & Associates
Cell: (949) 310-0273
Jenae Patterson|Head Property Manager: Accounting
Jenae Patterson was born and raised on the island of Oahu with frequent trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. Both places hold a special place in her heart. She spent 6 years in Washington state in her early adulthood which diversified her views and helped shape her into the person she is today. Upon returning to Hawaii her love for the islands deepened. Jenae joined the Knutson and Associates team in 2014 and has been a valuable member of the team since day one. She has an exemplary eye for detail and drive to get things done.
Knutson & Associates
Office: (808) 329-1010
JoAnne Maltezo|Property Manager
Joanne Maltezo represents North/South Kona & South Kohala. Her 17 years in the hospitality industry brings her the discipline and knowledge in providing excellent customer service, attention to detail, & patience. Her outgoing personality keeps her clients comfortable. She’s a excellent match for finding the perfect dream home for her clients.
Raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Joanne knows everything there is to know about her locations.
She loves meeting people every day and will work tirelessly for your best interest.
While not assisting clients, she spends her time with her lovely teenage daughter traveling, cooking and enjoying her friends.
Melissa Dawson|Property Manager
Having been born and raised on a farm in Central Washington, I moved to Hawaii in 2017 and never looked back. I was happy to trade the cold weather and snow for the sun and sand. My background has primarily been in food service since graduating from culinary school in 2005. Over the years, I’ve gone back and forth between restaurant management and nannying. My biggest passion is kids in addition to my love for good food. On my time off you can find me baking or trying new recipes at home or sitting at the beach with a good book. I look forward to serving the Big Island in a new capacity as an Assistant Property Manager at Knutson & Associates.
Knutson & Associates
808-329-1010
David Scott|Lead Senior Property Manager
Aloha my name is David Scott, I am 23 years old and I am currently a personal assistant for Blake Kessner at Knutson & Associates. I was born in Kanagawa, Japan but raised right here in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I graduated from Kealakehe High School and some of my hobbies include, going to the beach, playing music with my ukulele, spending time with good people, and playing video games occasionally! Professionally I have experience managing a Planet Fitness where I built great work ethic, experienced real responsibility, and met a variety of great people!
David Scott, R(S)87069
808-329-1010
Valerie Bascar|Executive Assistant to Blake Kessner
Aloha Kākou, I was born and raised on the Island of Maui, Hawaii and have decided to reside on the Island of Hawai’i in 2018. Since then, I’ve managed a Fitness Facility to build my managerial skills for 3 years. After welcoming my daughter in 2020, I decided to leave the Fitness Industry and pursue my career in the Hospitality Industry. I’ve expanded my knowledge/skills with the Fairmont Orchid, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, and Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha Resort. All were Supervisors/management roles. Since then, I have shifted my interest to the Property Management industry! To get my foot through the door, I am excited start as the Assistant to Blake Kessner with Knutson & Associates.
Kelsey Johnson|Sales & Property Management Assistant to Blake Kessner
Kelsey Johnson, a native of San Clemente, California, was born into a family rooted in real estate. From a young age, Kelsey found herself immersed in the industry, accompanying her mother on appraisals through her real estate appraisal business. This early exposure sparked Kelsey's passion for real estate, leading her to become a licensed real estate agent in California. With a specialized focus in short sales and distressed properties, Kelsey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her clients. Her understanding of the intricacies of these transactions ensures that she can navigate complex deals with finesse and confidence. Beyond her professional life, Kelsey has a strong connection to the Big Island of Hawaii, spending many summers and holidays visiting family in Kona. In her free time, Kelsey can often be found by the ocean, indulging her love for travel, practicing yoga, or hiking with her dog.
Johnray Malaqui|Quality Assurance Manager/Showing Assistant
Born in the Philippines, I moved to Hawaii when I was 11yrs old and have live in Kailua Kona since then. I am an outdoor person who loves to spend most of my time in the water. When I’m not working you can find me surfing local spots in town, Fishing at the pier, hiking trails. I know all the best spot to surf, snorkel and hike. I’ve worked for some of the best hotel and resorts in the area specializing in the hospitality industry.
Natalie Mitchell|Assistant Property Manager
My name is Natalie Mitchell and I was born and raised in Southern California. I moved to the Big Island in 2020 and have been lucky enough to call Kona my home ever since. Growing up in California, I have always had a major love and respect for the ocean and knew I wanted to end up near the water. I attended Eastern Oregon University to play collegiate soccer and earned a Bachelors in Physical Activity and Health after graduating. On my days off, you can find me swimming in the ocean, onewheeling, lifting weights or hanging with my family and friends. I am very excited to start my new career with Knutson and Associates and hope to learn and grow lots here.
Kennix Llantero-Napihaa|Quality Assurance Manager/Showing Assistant
Kennix is a new addition to the team in 2025. Knutson & Associates is thrilled to have an individual with a strong mainteannce background to help identify issues proactively!
LJ Romualdo|Quality Assurance Inspector/Showing Assistant
Born in California and raised in the heart of Kona on the Big Island, I’ve proudly called Hawai‘i home for most of my life. With over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I’ve built a strong foundation in customer service, communication, and relationship building. I’m passionate about helping people and creating positive experiences whether in work or everyday life. Family-oriented and naturally outgoing, I strive to bring warmth, professionalism, and genuine care into everything I do.
I’m excited to be a part of the Knutson & Associates team and look forward to building my experience in the property management field while continuing to serve our community with aloha.
Meleana Mendez|Quality Assurance Inspector/Showing Assistant
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, I bring over 15 years of experience in the hotel and hospitality industry, with a strong background in customer service, and front-of-house operations. Having lived here for 34 years, I’m deeply familiar with the island and its unique culture, which allows me to connect authentically with guests and provide exceptional service.
Outside of work, I’m a devoted mom to a kindergartener who is my world. On my days off, I enjoy traveling to Maui weekly, a place close to my heart and my second home.
